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What's "medieval"? What's "modern"? How are they different? How do we know? The course will explore patterns, motifs and configurations characteristic of medieval myth and epic, and their re-occurrence in modern works. The use and function of such elements will be evaluated through analysis of medieval works such as the Prose Edda, Beowulf, The Battle of Maldon, and examination of the use of these elements in such modern works as John Gardner's Grendel and J.R.R. Tolkien's The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth and The Lord of the Rings. Lecture combined with class discussion. Requirements include a mid-term, a paper of moderate length (8-10 pp.) and a 2-hour final.

Prerequisites:

Two lower-level English courses, at least one in literature; or permission of department.